Senior Fitness Test (SFT) Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The chair stand test is an essential component of the Senior Fitness Test, specifically designed to assess lower body strength and endurance. In this test, the participant starts by sitting in the middle of a sturdy chair to ensure stability and support. Keeping the back straight is crucial as it helps maintain proper posture, which can enhance balance and reduce the risk of injury during the test. Additionally, crossing the arms over the chest is part of the procedure as it prevents the participant from using their arms to push off the chair, which could skew results and fail to accurately measure the strength of the legs.

This method allows the test to focus exclusively on the strength generated by the lower body when transitioning from a seated to a standing position. The test generally involves the participant standing up and sitting down as many times as possible within a specified time frame, usually 30 seconds. This approach effectively measures their muscular endurance as well as their balance and functional mobility, critical components of maintaining independence in daily activities for older adults.